Bacon wrapped chicken bites are one of the best appys ever. Tender and juicy chicken is well seasoned and wrapped in delicious bacon that is oven-baked to crisp perfection. These bacon chicken nuggets are simple to make with just a few ingredients but are loaded with flavor - they're savory, salty, and so tasty. You'll love these bacon-wrapped chicken bites, whether they're served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner - and yes, I said breakfast!
Why You'll Love Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
- More bacon, please! Bacon wrapped chicken is a crave-worthy recipe, and these little chicken bites give you more bacon in every bite. With crispy oven-baked bacon wrapped around each nugget of chicken, they are the perfect appetizer for any occasion, especially on game day.
- Quick and easy. These bacon wrapped chicken bites are ready in less than 40 minutes, and you only need about 10 minutes to actually prepare them. We love quick and easy recipes around here. It's kind of our thing.
- Fun to eat. Anything in bite form is an enjoyable meal and takes less effort to eat. These chicken bites are easy to serve, fun to eat, and totally kid-friendly. What more is there to ask for?
Ingredients and Substitutions
To make these delicious bacon wrapped chicken bites, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):
- chicken breasts
- brown sugar
- salt
- paprika
- garlic powder
- cayenne pepper - optional, for a spicy kick.
- bacon strips
- maple syrup - you can also substitute with honey.
- ground black pepper
You will also need measuring spoons, mixing bowl, and a quarter sheet baking pan.
How to Make the Best Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
- Season the chicken. In a mixing bowl, stir together all seasoning (brown sugar, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne, if using) until evenly combined. Add chicken and toss well to coat. Set aside.
- Assemble. Cut each bacon strip in half crosswise (about 5-inches long) and wrap around each seasoned cubed chicken (There is no need to secure the wrapped chicken bites with toothpicks).
- Bake. Arrange the wrapped chicken bites on a parchment-lined quarter sheet baking sheet and brush them with maple syrup and a sprinkle of black pepper to taste. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bacon is crisp.
How to Cook Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites in the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 375 F, about 3 minutes. Place bacon chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 15-18 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature for the chicken reaches 165 F as read on a meat thermometer.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Get crispier bacon: If you love crispy bacon, you can finish the bacon-wrapped chicken bites up in the oven on the broil setting on high for 1-3 minutes. But keep a close eye on them because they can start to burn quickly!
- How to store: Keep leftover bacon wrapped chicken bites in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
- How to reheat: Reheat cold chicken bites in a 400F preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or in the air fryer for 5-10 minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave if you're in a rush. Place in a bowl and cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Microwave on medium heat for 1-3 minutes until you see the steam rise and fog up the plastic wrap.
- How to freeze: These chicken bites also freeze well. You can freeze them either assembled and uncooked OR cooked. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until hard, about 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container and freezer for up to 3 months. Bake them from frozen in a 400 F preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or for 20-30 minutes if cooked.
More Chicken Recipes
- Sweet Chili Chicken Bites
- Homemade Chicken Nuggets
- Baked Sesame Chicken
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Thai Basil Chicken
- Chicken Shawarma
Did you make this recipe? I would greatly appreciate a comment and rating below, letting me know what you thought of the recipe. You can also snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @aheadofthyme or share it on the Pinterest pin so that I can follow along.
Don't forget to sign up for my email newsletter so that you don't miss any recipes. You can also follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, Tiktok, and Facebook for more recipe updates.
Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 18 pieces
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Bacon wrapped chicken bites are one of the best appys ever - well seasoned tender juicy chicken is wrapped in bacon and oven-baked to crisp perfection.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 lb. boneless and skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 (9 slice) package bacon strips (50 g)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together all seasoning (brown sugar, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne, if using) until evenly combined. Add chicken and toss well to coat. Set aside.
- Cut each bacon strip in half crosswise (about 5-inches long) and wrap around each seasoned cubed chicken (There is no need to secure the wrapped chicken bites with toothpicks).
- Arrange the wrapped chicken bites on a parchment-lined quarter sheet baking sheet and brush them with maple syrup and a sprinkle of black pepper to taste. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bacon is crisp.
Notes
Get crispier bacon: If you love crispy bacon, you can finish the bacon-wrapped chicken bites up in the oven on the broil setting on high for 1-3 minutes. But keep a close eye on them because they can start to burn quickly!
How to air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375 F, about 3 minutes. Place bacon chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 15-18 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the internal temperature for the chicken reaches 165 F as read on a meat thermometer.
How to store: Keep leftover bacon wrapped chicken bites in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
How to reheat: Reheat cold chicken bites in a 400F preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or in the air fryer for 5-10 minutes. You can also reheat them in the microwave if you're in a rush. Place in a bowl and cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap. Microwave on medium heat for 1-3 minutes until you see the steam rise and fog up the plastic wrap.
How to freeze: These chicken bites also freeze well. You can freeze them either assembled and uncooked OR cooked. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet until hard, about 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container and freezer for up to 3 months. Bake them from frozen in a 400 F preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or for 20-30 minutes if cooked.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Sarah says
These look so so good; the perfect freezable appetiser I was looking for!
Please what dip did you serve with?
Thanks 🙂